Thomas Pittman

While preparing Alternative Methods of Instruction for his Central Junior High Students, AP Human Geography teacher, Thomas Pittman suggested studying the Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918/1919 for comparisons to today’s outbreak, COVID-19. A student asked him if he was alive back then. 

“Yes, but I was only a baby,” Pittman responded. “No, not really.”

Pittman has been figuring out how to navigate Alternative Methods of Instruction days. He is dedicated to his students and is providing the instruction, tools, and support they need to be successful.

“Students have to continue to do their work, Pittman said. “AMI is teaching kids how to be a learner on their own.”

He is continuing to teach content to prepare for his AP Human Geography College Board exam at the end of the semester. He is making sure his students have all the materials and resources they need to pass the exam.

“The students have the tools they need to be successful,” Pittman said. “My role is to manage that and keep them on task.”

To stay on task and prepare the students for the AP exam, Pittman made sure students went home with AP review books among the many resources for them.

“I have been sending them Youtube videos of teachers who have the curriculum online, practice tests, and the AP Human Geography app,” Pittman said. “Students who master the app have a great chance at passing the exam. The other part of it is keeping them accountable.”

Since starting AMI days, Pittman has spent extra time at Central to ensure students’ assignments are being graded thoroughly and promptly. His goal is to give students immediate feedback so they can understand and focus on the material.

“If I work hard, I hope they work hard, too,” Pittman said. 

Pittman is not the only teacher going above and beyond to make sure his students are being effective learners. Teachers at Central Junior High are having virtual meetings with their Professional Learning Communities to share expertise, collaborate, and improve their teaching skills.  Dedicated teachers like Thomas Pittman are another reason why Springdale Public Schools are #THEChoice.